In this June 2009 photo Rohan Marley (right) and workers at his organic coffee farm where they produce the brand Marley Coffee, in Chepstow, northeast of Kingston. (PHOTO: AP)

MARLEY Coffee has inked a deal with one of the largest independent coffee and tea manufacturers in North America — RealCup brand.

The partnership will see Marley Coffee distributing single-serve capsules of coffee throughout Canada. This follows a landmark contract last year to supply Kroger and Safeway — the largest retail stores in the US — with roasted coffee products.

Marley Coffee operates a local and US division under the chairmanship of Rohan Marley, son of late reggae legend Bob Marley. The company will expand distribution with three major Canadian grocery chains, namely Loblaw, Longos, and two-time partner Safeway.

Bob Marley

“Canadians from coast to coast will now be able to enjoy the benefits of the Unique filter in the RealCup capsules that gives all of the Marley Coffee blends a truly authentic taste in a single-serve capsule brew,” Marley stated in a press release.

“Our recent independent testing confirms that the RealCup capsule with our Flavour Max filter delivers a fuller-bodied, more flavourful cup of coffee, compared to the leading brand,” he added.

Six of the coffee’s most popular blends will be available in Loblaw market and discount banners across Canada in October, while Longos is seeking to have the Marley Coffee distributed in all 26 stores.

Marley Coffee’s first quarter revenues grew by 153 per cent to $2.1 million up from the $846,000 it recorded a year ago, financials indicated. Despite the growth in revenue, the company reported a net loss of $1.9 million.

While the company did not disclose projected profitability of the partnership, Canadian retailers have been eager to list brands like Marley Coffee in the RealCup capsule format, Marley said.

The entrepreneur is now looking to create sustainability by having coffee served in recyclable EcoCup capsules next year.

“We are very excited to see the immediate benefits of our partnership with Mother Parkers and their RealCup brand of capsules,” he said.

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